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Thursday, May 9, 2019

A Wink, A Nod and A Stair

Oh My! Stairs are HARD!!! And the ones for the New Orleans have been a real challenge for me from the start. I reasoned that before I installed the last wall panel upstairs, and prior to focusing on the bedroom, I had better get the hallway balcony railing and all trims for that skinny room completed. Big hands and frequent lapses in grace were among my worries. To do this part of the project,  finishing the stairs was essential, but the stairs for this project have been a bit of an odyssey from the beginning...

During the first dry fit I decided the set that came with the kit were too narrow, steep and plain. So I began making my own. This was in May of 2017!


After I had finished the first set, I realized that the last stair ended way too close to the "fourth wall" and instead needed a return. And since I was rebuilding anyway, why not add built in shelves for more display opportunities?


The photo below was as far as I'd gotten in August of 2017. And there they sat during my looooong hiatus.


Another bright idea came when I thought that opening up the stairwell would allow the chandelier light from the landing to shine down the stairs. I couldn't resist the idea of having something so pretty, so the opening became much larger. Now there would be a balcony all the way around the opening.

See how narrow the original stairs and opening were to be
per the original kit specs?
No way Jose!
When you cut a gaping hole into the structure, it can cause some sag which is what I expected and did occur with the stairwell opening. I always thought I would probably have to have some sort of column to support the second floor, though my original solution proved to be too big for the room.

Slight floor sag at enlarged stairwell opening.

Original column plan took up too much space in the living room.
And crowded the walkway from the front door to the stairs.

To help support the opening, I have added a 1/4" x 1/4" trim strip all along the second floor. It matches the first floor trim strip that I added to give the extra 1/8" of length I needed for the kitchen cabinets. I drilled pilot holes then nailed it into the floor for extra support. I will likely still add a column, but will need to load the furniture into the room to decide on size and placement. So I have put a pin in that task for now.

The trim strip has helped the sag.

The banister was not attached, just sort of in dry fit on top of the spindles. I had inadvertently knocked it around a little and some of the spindles had come loose. Many repairs had to be made, the banister had to be permanently attached, and decisions made on how to address the return stairs. As in: spindle and newel post or no? I also had the tricky angle cuts to make to join the banister sections at the top where the landing stair is longer, and at the bottom where the return meets the main rail. Nothing lined up perfectly or angled well, so I had to fake it. Wink, wink. I have used layers of wood glue as spackle, done some "creative sanding",  and hoped the final painting would disguise this fact enough to pass.

Wood glue as spackle.

The bottom newel post needed a bit of a lift.

Creative sanding.

In addition, I had to make decisions about what to use to make the balcony railing and then actually make it. I had considered several options such as creating a fancy wrought iron design out of plastic fencing pieces, but ultimately decided the house was asking me to keep things traditional. Too bad for me because spindles, baluster and bottom rail were the most fiddly option! Extremely tiny gluing surface, spacing nightmare, measuring minefield, ripe for knocking over after installation and just short of materials were some of the challenges. Below is the jerry~rigged~jig I made in an attempt to get the spindle spacing at least close to even. I made the rails in four sections and then joined them together. You can imagine my joy at having the entire thing explode to pieces while attempting to secure the baluster and bottom rail with rubber bands. It  happened more than once. My neighbors now believe I speak in Tongues.


The only way forward was to exercise extreme patience and let each step thoroughly set and dry before moving on to the next step. Here is one of many dry fit checks I made at every step along the way...


I made use of the waiting time by making up a bunch of frames with artwork for the stairway wall and upstairs hall. I used my old faithful method of marking out the wall space on my cutting mat with tape and then playing with the arrangement. I don't always follow the arrangement I've laid out, so this wall is going to need more art in frames.





You can see in these photos that I took the opportunity to add some decor to the stairway shelves, and to install the entry table and lamp. By install, I mean attach a piece of wood to the back of the furniture and attach that to the wall semi-permanently. By that I mean that I attach with Quick Grip so that the piece stays in place but can be removed without damage at any point in the future. This is ideal when a "decorate as I go" method is employed. I find it easier to decorate tiny spaces this way and less damaging than reaching big hands into tiny recesses at the end. There is still more to add, but I need to make a bunch of plants and flowers and want to do them for the entire house all at once. Flower and plant making have a way of taking up your entire work table!



My next steps are to install baseboard and other moldings into the stairwell hall,  make a fabric shade for the dormer window, make some artwork for the walls and contemplate adding another mirrored faux window to the stair wall. Everything I have on hand is either too big or too small, so I am waiting for a good idea to convince me to give it more effort. :O) At that point I can finally install the last wall in the house and begin again on the bedroom.

A lady from a blog I follow recently shared that she received some critical comments from a person via FaceBook. It struck a chord with to me to want to say a few words about it. The vast majority of us who love and have a passion for dollhouse miniatures, and who have blogs/Instagram/Facebook that we use to share our projects and connect to each other with, are not professionals in the litany of skills and trades involved in the hobby. We share because we receive and give support to like minded folks who "get" us. A lot of us share things that we are trying for the first time, more complicated things that we are trying to learn from, or things we are simply just having fun with. We don't share because we think we are perfect. Long lecture short... For those of you who support and encourage all of us through your wonderful comments...

~THANK~YOU!~


You are truly angels of light whose positivity impacts us in ways that you'll never know the measure of. For those of you who feel moved to write something nice, DO! And for all others, Be Kind with your Words. Check to make sure your intentions are good and words sincere before you type them. Making someone feel bad about their work only feeds rather than starves monsters. The world needs more angels and fewer monsters and you get to chose which you want to be! :O)

And to everyone, whatever gender, if you put others first and show love to them...

xo xo,
Jodi

62 comments:

  1. What a beautiful staircase! The treads, the trim, the banister and spindles, the pictures (so lovely!), the way you've dressed/styled your shelves, the little lit alcove--all of it works together to create a magnificent whole. Truly, I look at that and think that any 1:1 homeowner would be happy to have that in their house. I know how frustrating stairs can be (and I like the speaking in tongues; I'm afraid my neighbors may know exactly which magic words I'm using). Your persistence and patience have truly paid off.

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    1. Thanks Deb! They are lot nicer than the stairs in my rl house! Just wish I was as brave with 1:1 building! It feels really great to finally have them finished and to see this long awaited dream coming true.

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  2. Every detail is spectacular Jodi. I love your jig, very clever on your part. I hope you save it for the next time. I liked your comment at the end, and I read the post you are referring to. I just wanted to say, "Well said!".

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    1. Thanks Carrie! The main jig part is safely put away for the next project and hopefully I'll improve on it each time I use it!

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  3. You have made a lot of progress! Great decision making. Widening and turning the stairs, metallic rails and balusters, compact but high impact decor spaces. Wonderful!

    Thanks for the reminder to be nice. Thankfully most commenters are positive and supportive, which is why I’m attempting to join this talented community.

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    1. Thanks Sherrill! I love that in this hobby we can imagine more beautiful and functional looking ideas and make them into reality. Even if it takes us a couple years!
      Yes the vast majority of folks are kind and encouraging, some just aren't aware yet and others just possibly in a bad mental space at the moment. A reminder often helps us realign with our true nature. :O)

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  4. I love your staircase and I so feel your pain with the spindles and railing. I have some of that coming up soon and I guarantee I'll be doing my own version of Tongues over here.

    I've been thinking about your sagging issue, and the post you might need... You have the gorgeous arches between the dining room and kitchen and the dining room and the living room. What if you made a really elongated arch, as if someone had knocked through most of a wall, ending with a half inch post on either side of the living room. Maybe between the door and the window and then against the 'fourth wall' opposite. Half inch square dowels for a beam and the two posts and then cardboard or cut wood to make curves for the arch?

    I'm probably not explaining very well. I love how this build is progressing.

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    1. Thanks Sheila! I am sending positive vibes your way that all will go smoothly and all your neighbors will hear are words like "yippee!", "awesome!" and "that is so cool!"!
      I love your idea for an arch separating the entry/stairs from the living room! I'll have to play with the concept because it might just be the best solution for support and in perfect keeping with the character of the house!

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  5. This is pretty Amazing looking work Jodi! I LOVE the colour you've used for the spindles which is very rich looking and ideal for this house. The shelf unit under the staircase was an excellent solution and interesting to note that it still allows the hall table and mirror to shine without overcrowding - Brilliant!

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth! Having an entry table with mirror was part of the very first layout ideas I had for this kit way back when I began dreaming of doing it in 2015. For some reason, I always think I am going to have more room than I actually do, so I am so happy that I was able to have a grand staircase and the little entry area! My fingers are crossed that all the other elements I'd love to incorporate for the furnishings and decor are as cooperative!

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  6. Jodi, you are so creative and clever!! Love the whole concept of your stairs, making the hole bigger and adding the balcony is such a great idea. They look just like the real thing but more beautiful :). Awesome, as well as the shelves and that corner, they´re perfect! It was worth waiting since 2017. I was following you then and I wondered what happened to the marvellous New Orleans, and here you are back and full of ideas. Ok, you have struggled a little bit but the result is just fantastic. Give yourself a pat on the back you have created a wonderful piece. With regards your words about our miniature world and the social media I agree with every word. Well said.

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    1. Thank you Alex! I am so happy that you like the way the staircase came out! For a while there I thought I had really painted myself into a corner, and I am so glad I was able to figure out a solution that worked!
      I had such grand plans when I started the kit and made so many mistakes that had to be redone. It caused me to lose enthusiasm for the project. Then I started the Sweet Christmas Cottage, then the vanity project, then the Storybook Cottage and before I knew it, this poor partially done kit was collecting dust on a shelf! My attention span being what it is, I have got to discipline myself into finishing this and the cottage before I allow myself to start anything else. Let's hope I can do both by fall!

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  7. Wow what a great stairs I love it all the turn of steps and wow the ornament at the side and Ooo what beautiful styled... I'm also busy with my stairs I must still make the handrail... (I'm going to make something from my old house...) but I'm in love with your stairs it gives me a push to try...
    have a nice day,
    groetjes van Marijke


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    1. Hi Marijke! I am glad that you like my stairs! I had grand plans for them and still can't believe I let two years pass before I finally tackled them! I saw yours on your blog and I love how nice and wide they are! So much easier for our little folks to move their possessions around when they can get them up the stairs! I wish you great success with the handrail and can't wait to see what you've done!

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  8. Wow, you have done a great job of making your stairs and entry an interesting space. I like all of your details down to the framed art on the walls. Another great project! Keep up the great work :)

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    1. Thanks Troy! Fancy things are sure a lot easier to dream up than to do, lol! I am glad to have this area of the house finished so I can keep on keepin' on with the rest of it. With luck, maybe I'll be able to have this poor baby finished this year!

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  9. Amazing work. The staircase is superb and the under stairs storage look so fantastic. I love your tip on masking out your space on your cutting mat to play around with arrangement, I will definitely use that in the future. Thanks for a great blog update, look forward to seeing how your project progresses.

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    1. Thanks Natalie! I am so happy that you like the stairs and the shelves instead of the wainscoting! It was a challenge to work out, but I am so glad I kept at it! I'm glad you found something that might help make mini picture hanging a little easier for you!

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  10. Un trabajo espectacular, has logrado un espacio amplio y luminoso,muy acogedor y con una elegante finura.Felicidades por este trabajo.Feliz fin de semana:-)

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    1. Gracias Rosa Maria! ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te guste el espacio! ¡Es divertido ver finalmente todos los pequeños elementos que se unen después de que se hayan almacenado en mi mente durante tanto tiempo!

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  11. The stairs look great and I love the under stair shelves.

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    1. Thanks De! It's so exciting to have them finished up after so long!

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  12. I so, so understand the spindle/stair nightmare. Often I curse and moan about a difficult task but afterwards feel super-dooper and feel so good about problem solving but I have to say stairs do not reward me in this way. They are just a pain in the proverbial. Love your finish on all those nasty 'joins' and angles that 'appear' Great filling, sanding, painting, no one would know they had been a challenge. Sheila's suggestion for the 'sag' is in line with mine. She recommends an arch and that would work great. I was just thinking you could have a 'bit' of fourth wall - half inch wide strip - seen to be supporting that area at the front. In real life the floor would, of course, go into the fourth wall and would probably need no other support than that? Don't curse me for this one but you could add a teeny bit of quadrant - not sure that is its name - to finish the join where the newel meets its support. I am thinking that very fine quartered dowelling or just plain very teeny squared trim. Hope that makes sense. Downside is I may have suggested something which would again turn the air blue.

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    1. Thank you Marilyn! I don't remember my first stairs in the RGT Barn being so difficult. My biggest challenge there was calculating the heights and landing because I had raised the ceiling, but the spindles and banister seemed easy in my memory. Maybe it was just the childbirth effect?
      Great beam ideas - I was thinking I might get away with a smalish one like you say but if not the arch option is a good one.
      I am laughing at your astute noticing of my need for quarter round which I only myself noticed as I was saving off the "finished" photos to my Pinterest folder. Luckily, I've already got some quarter round stained and ready to go! Seems as my glue dried and shrank, it pulled the unit up from the floor a bit because it was not that way when I meticulously placed it - argh!!! Never finished, right?!?

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  13. Las escaleras y todo lo que las rodea ha quedado fenomenal.

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    1. ¡Gracias Isabel! Estoy muy feliz de tener tu aprobación! ¡Vale la pena todo el tiempo y la lucha!

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  14. Once more, a magnificent piece of work. The finished staircase and the balcony are gorgeous and so are the shelves with the artwork. I have only words of praise for your work and for the way you generously share it with us, humble followers.
    Thanks and a hug,
    Drora

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    1. Thank you, Drora! I am so happy that you like the stairs and balcony, and so grateful to have learned so much from all of you! It gives me bravery to try to push the boundaries of my comfort zone, and it feels like an "atta girl" from my heroes when you like the results! A big hug back to you!

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  15. Hello, Jodi - You are so right that stairs are HARD! But you've made a beautiful set of stairs that make the whole thing look easy - your patience and persistence paid off. I love the large stairwell opening and the surround balcony for the stairs; the space looks so airy and unconfined now. The shelf unit is a very elegant addition, and I think that you've accessorized it beautifully. The small entry, too, is made to look very important with the soft light from the lamp, and the large mirror sets that space off to perfection. Wonderful work, and great choices of color and artwork!
    Marjorie

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    1. Thank you Marjory! I am happy that you like everything! I find that if I do not have a clear way forward with a difficult task I tend to spin myself in circles and get nothing done. In this case I had to shut off my brain and just make myself start doing something to move forward. I am so glad I was able to find passable solutions instead of spending another two years needing to solve them in my brain before I just did the work and figured things out as I went along. It was such a risk to dedicate so much valuable space to a stairwell, but I really wanted to succeed in making something that this house, if it were sitting in New Orleans, may have really had when it was built. If I can pull off the rest of the room in some elegant way, it will have been worth all the toil and struggle!

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  16. a house of beautiful elegance! I admire the staircase and its decoration: a great success!
    hugs

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    1. Thank you Claude! It makes me so happy that you think it looks elegant! :O)

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  17. One of the things I love about this hobby is that you can impose your own work schedule. I can't count the amount of times I have set a project aside because I didn't have an immediate solution so 2017 to 2019 to resolve the stair issue is nothing 😉 I'm still deliberating the staircase in the Gothic manor from last year and I'm in no rush. The solution you came up with is excellent and I think you were right to stick to a traditional look. To prevent ceiling sag, you could make very thin columns...maybe temporary, that you could place at the open side of the house to prop up the second floor but that you could still see through into the room. When you think, dollhouse X are architecturally weird when one whole supporting wall is removed as a door 😄
    The nasty comments on Facebook...ugh, where to start....people can be shits. Anonymity affords them the courage to insult those who try and put it out there for the world to see. My advice, always, is never compare yourself to others, do things that make YOU happy and a big fat 'kiss my arse' to those who disagree 😊😘

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    1. You are so right, Pepper! Not having a deadline allows time to work up solutions and better ideas, though sometimes I am too impatient to wait! When you have your "aha" moment on the Gothic Manor stairs I know they will be absolutely amazing!
      I keep throwing the idea around of a very thin column with some trim work at the opening where the corner of the balcony opening is. I may have to place others in equal distances around the edges of the seating area to make it look like a feature, but until I actually get some sticks out to play with I won't know if I am on the right track or not. If it was a Tudor, I'd just have a beam structure all along the opening but damn if I know what the Louisiana builders of French architecture would have done, lol!
      Yes people can be hideous, but luckily I am pretty tough and can take it! I am just one of those people who get pissed when new miniaturists get pounced on. The ones throwing out the harsh critiques are probably either uber talented and don't have to work for a thing, or who haven't picked up a pair of scissors themselves in years. I usually try to stay away from political statements because we all become aware of ourselves in due time, but this time I thought a little Thank You to the good guys and reminder to others was timely. Your advice to keep your eyes on yourself is great advice!

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  18. Just re read that and my spelling is shocking. That's what happens when you comment and drink alcohol at the same time 😄🍻🍹

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    1. Ha ha! I'll take your comments any time! Drunk, misspelled, or otherwise! :O)

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  19. As always I've enjoyed your post so much… it's always fun and a big pleasure to follow your work and the thoughts that made you do it this way or try it that way. The stairs turned out awesome and I really admire your solution with this return at the stairs' bottom. This is not only more realistic but also so much more beautiful. And even better it made you start those built-in shelves which are always a wonderful way to use the space under stairs. Oh, and before I forget to mention it - the last picture with the lamp light on is so pretty, it looks so friendly and inviting. And one more thing that needs to be said - your bird picture collection looks fantastic. You've done a fantastic job with these stairs so far and although it might have caused a bit of cursing here and a bit of winking there it was really worth it... and I have no doubt that you'll find a good solution to support your upper floor. I've seen good suggestions in the above comments and that's what I really appreciate about our community - it's supportive and helpful. People are not only showing their work but they're sharing their how-to, their methods, their skills and their knowledge and are always willing to help. I don't know about this comment you've mentioned - but whatever this writer was about… it was his/her problem… not the problem of this miniaturist. And as Thumper, the little bunny in Disney's animated movie Bambi, is taught by his Mom: If you can't say anything nice you should better say nothing. ;O)

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Thank you so much, Birgit! I am so happy that you like the choices and solutions! Sometimes the problems we encounter do offer us opportunities to achieve even better designs for the space! It was fun to type in "teal bird art" and see what came up!
      There are some awesome suggestions on how to address the sag, and it is amazing to have the collective knowledge and ideas of our community and their willingness to help us solve our dilemmas! I feel extremely encouraged and supported by everyone and am so grateful for that. I guess maybe Facebook is just not as kind as blogger and that is sad. Thumper's mom was right and so are you - if you can't find something positive and encouraging to say to someone, look within yourself because something needs healing!

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  20. Everything is perfect and the staircase is magnificent and elegant, a true masterpiece.

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    1. Thanks Faby! I KNOW things are not perfect, but I thank you for the lovely encouragement! I got them as good as I could do and I am truly so happy with that! :O)

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  21. Hi Jodi! I think your "winking" has worked wonders!!! (Are you related to "Genie"??? Lol!) The opened up stairwell looks fabulously luxurious! Stairs are such a controversial subject for mini houses... so little room and yet... when given the space to shine they make such a great visual statement! (I do love a good staircase... and have experience of tiny narrow ones and wide gracious ones in RL too!) This one is now a statement and looks Awesome!!! (The glue trick is one I rely on all the time!) You might consider making the "wall" at the bottom of the stairs return open and lacy with spindles and a post to help support the sagging ceiling... it would not interfere visually and might add just enough support. (I have a still unresolved stairway issue with the attic stairs for my Lovely Old Dollhouse... who knows how long it will take me to figure it out!) So far I am loving everything you are doing with this kit... and I fully understand the "waiting" that sometimes just has to happen! :)
    Oh, and Happy Mothers Day!!! :):)

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    1. Ha ha! Thanks Betsy! I've never heard of any people in my family with any magical powers but wouldn't that be nice! I do have one aunt that won the lottery in 1984, but that's as supernatural as we got, lol!
      Stairs are controversial, and I guess including the deck stairs on the RGT barn, I've only done four sets. I really wanted to learn something from these, and boy did I get my wish! It was risky dedicating so much of the house space to them, but I thought that a grand home in New Orleans, even if small, would have a grand staircase. I did my best though there is still so much room for learning and improvement!
      I did entertain the idea of having a rail and column at the open end of the stairs but worried that taking up a minimum of 1/4" of the stairs and landing with them would make them look unrealistically narrow. I thought also about adding them on the end instead of the top, but the mock up made the trim and ceiling look weird. so no luck on that arrangement, either. If the trim piece would have been stronger, it would have solved the problem and that's what I was truly hoping for. Back to the drawing board...
      I am so happy that you like the way the house is coming along, and though it is not coming out as grand as I had in my head when I started, I still love so many elements and am really learning so much!
      Happy Mother's Day to you, as well! I hope the boys are spoiling you!

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  22. Nicely said Jodi. It is sad that there are people in the world with so little in their lives they feel they need to take from others too. And their awful comments reflect more on the sort of people they are themselves than their targets. Anyway, your stairs are looking great but I think a support of some description might be needed. I had the idea that a bit of a fretwrk room divider thing might look good but not sure how original that would be to New Orleans architecture. Lots of Victorian houses have floor to ceiling turned posts and fretwork in and around the stairs and they could be even with the stairs so not protrude into the room very much at all. Well, enjoy the rest of your weekend. X

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    1. I truly believe that when people know better, they do better. It's getting them to see their own impact that's the tricky part. We tend to become defensive as humans instead of really listening. That kind of self reflection comes for most of us with our gray hair. :O)
      A fretwork divider would be lovely and would take up less of the space on the stairs - A great suggestion, Shannon! Thank you!

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  23. Wow! A bit more laborious than a wink and a nod ;-) and the result is stunning and so real!

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    1. Thanks Marion! It was a lot of fiddly work which I am sure more experience will make easier the next time. I am so glad you like it!

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  24. Hi *waves* I finally got over here to comment! As usual I'm a dollar short and a day (well lots of days) late.. lol
    I've always loved stairs with a short return like these in real life so it stands to reason that I love your interpretation in mini, Jodi!. They look so good! Having tackled spindles myself recently I can imagine the creative lesson in stringing magic words together your neighbours got. ;P Mine did too and I haven't even attempted the balcony bannister yet! :D I find if you drag the curse word out like Faaaaaaaaarrrrrrkkkkk!!!.. it's much more satisfying lolol. I think your opening up the stair hole to create a lovely double height balconied foyer is awesome! Who wouldn't want an entry like this! I think you have used the space brilliantly and I'm swooning at the under stair bookcase and it's divine styling. And the little niche with that gorgeous cupboard and light will be a delightful hidden corner for the viewer to discover as they study your house more closely. I really like the texture you have created on your stair wall. How did you create that? It looks so neat and uniform and perfectly in scale.

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    1. Hi Sam! *waves back* You are never late here 'cause the mini party just never stops, lol!
      I know what you mean because in miniature I just love seeing things that are a little unusual and since straight, narrow and steep staircases seem to be the norm I just had to try and make these more interesting! I always get impatient to see my ideas in real life, and being impatient (as you know) is not how good stairs get done! When you start on your balcony, don't feel like you are cheating if you use a pre-assembled rail or at least a porch spindle jig! You'll say less magic words that way for sure!
      I did a lot of research on the interiors of the New Orleans kit before I bought it. It was expensive even after the HBS coupon, so I wanted to be sure my grand ideas would be realistic. I only found two completed kits in my research, and though they were both really lovely, the hallway was tiny and looked like folks would hit their heads on the angled roof. That's when a larger hall and a single bedroom became the plan. I am happy now I did it, though my skills still aren't up to my own standards, lol!
      The wall texture was achieved using a textured ceiling wallpaper that HBS used to sell. It was kind of squishy like it had a foam layer inside and the back felt like vinyl. I went searching there to give the link but it appears they are no longer selling it. I could not find any other retailer selling it either, but here is the link to the post where I show pictures and talk a bit about it:

      http://my-miniaturemadness.blogspot.com/2017/04/new-orleans-kit-first-challenges.html

      Though it is meant for a ceiling, I wanted solid wall color in the living room but though a textured paper would help hide imperfections in the plywood surface and add some interest.

      Thanks for your lovely comments and I am so happy that you like the staircase and surrounding area!

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  25. As the saying goes: '.. all good things take time...' Firstly, I am really relieved that it has taken you since May 2017 to get the stairs done. That makes me feel so much better about the pace my mini-ing is travelling at LOL.
    Strategic sanding, creative gluing and ingenious spackle and all - the stairs, banister and room is stunning. I just love, love, love the balcony return around the opening on the second floor, such a brilliant solution to a narrow, poky room.
    Thanks by the way for the quick grip, decorate-as-you-go hint. I have been knocking little bits left right and centre - Quick Grip now on order.
    Anna x

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    1. Anna I am so happy that my procrastination has had the positive effect of making you feel better about yours! We're in this together, right?
      I'm so glad you like the "improvements" and happy to have given you an idea for holding tiny things where they need to be. So annoying to get them right where you want them and then have them move on you! :O)

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  26. Oh my goodness! I love every bit of it and I love that you show each step. I also love the brassy color the the stair rail. Gorgeous!!

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    1. Thanks Brandy! I am glad you like the staircase area and so happy to be able to say it is finished!

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  27. This has been worth the wait! I love the way you've made the most of the space, it feels very true to the house. I especially like the upper landing where the railing sits in front of the viewer, that is my favourite kind of illusion in dollhouses. The metallic finish is gorgeous and the accessories really complete the look. Fabulous Jodi!

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    1. Thank you Kristine! There are so many decisions to toil over when you follow your own path, so it's great to hear my peers tell me I've made the right ones! I'm happy you like the results!

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  28. Tanto trabajo repartido en tanto tiempo, y merece la pena, porque el resultado es magnifico.
    No hay un solo lugar de esta casa que no me guste.
    Perfecto!

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    1. Gracias carolina ¡Me hace muy feliz tener sus comentarios positivos sobre todos los cambios y elecciones que he hecho con este kit! Ha sido un largo camino, ¡pero espero tenerlo todo listo y listo para jugar este verano!

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  29. This is just gorgeous and I can't wait to try something similar in my own dollhouse soon.

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    1. Thank you! I hope you have fun with your staircase!

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  30. Your words like your works are beautiful! I’m just beginning my journey into miniature and the stairs have been most difficult -a paper bread box in 1/12 scale is so much easier than a 1/6 scale staircase to me!
    Thanks for sharing

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    1. Hi Tripp Lynn! Thanks so much for leaving your comment! I love the idea of making a scene in a bread box! Stairs are like so many tricky things in minis. Just take your time, think through each step and be totally okay with making mistakes. It's the best way for our brains to truly download the process. But most important of all, enjoy the experience to it's fullest!

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  31. You do a wonderful job. Dang people have not figured out to keep mouth shut. As Thumber said "If you do not have something good to say,then say nothing" Thanks for sharing.

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  32. Thanks Stephanie! To those of us who just seem to want to be nice naturally, we forget that for some folks it has to be learned and practiced. But we can show them the way and help them to make the world a nicer, gentler place to be in.💗

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